New round of Palm House changes OK’d

Tuesday

International hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray faces several hurdles as he works toward a projected year-end opening of the long-delayed Palm House.

The hotel, at 160 Royal Palm Way, has been in renovations under several owners since 2007.

Gray, who signed on as the hotel’s operator last fall, appeared before the Architectural Commission on Wednesday seeking approvals on changes and additions to the architecture and landscape plans for the hotel. These include redesigning the swimming pool area, the entrance doors, a rooftop deck and a function room, along with changing the exterior paint color from beige to pink.

"We are mindful of the history of the project," Gray said. "We want to try to correct past mistakes."

Gray has been working with London-based hospitality designer Inge Moore on the look of the hotel.

Commissioner Ann Vanneck commented that many of the proposed changes had already been built. But some, such as removing the curved-edge swimming pool, were applauded by Chairman Bob Vila and others.

"I think they’ve fixed it up," said Commissioner Alexander Ives, noting that the caliber of detailing had improved significantly.

Sundeck questions

Commissioners heard presentations from Gray, Moore, attorney Greg Kino, architect Rafael Rodriguez and Tim Johnson of landscape designers Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design before voting to recommend that the Town Council approve variances related to the architecture of the project. Commissioners also deferred approval of alterations to the landscape plans and approved architectural changes with one exception: a sundeck atop the function room.

Next, the changes will be evaluated by the Town Council at its Sept. 10 development review session.

"We want to finish this project," Gray said. He noted that the space as organized under the watch of Glenn Straub, the Wellington developer who owned the property from 2009 to 2013, "could never have functioned properly."

Palm House was sold to a group of anonymous investors in September 2013. "It was designed in folly," Gray said.

Gray and Moore have reduced the number of rooms from 92 to 71. "Some rooms just did not work," Moore said.

New wrought-iron and glass entrance doors are meant to provide a "grand hotel arrival experience," she said.

Gray and Moore want to create a luxury experience with a casual and inviting atmosphere.

"It has a more residential feel," said Moore, calling the style "sophisticated, chic and beachy."

Le Cirque Brasserie

A deal also has been signed with the owners of Manhattan restaurant Le Cirque to open a Le Cirque Brasserie at the Palm House, Gray said.

"It will be the first of its kind," he said, calling the dining spot an informal and more affordable dining concept than the original restaurant.

"I am fully committed to following through with this hotel," said Gray, who has visited the island for more than 30 years. "I’m in this for the long term."

In addition to commission and Town Council approvals, hotel owners also will have to resolve more than $1 million in fines accrued over the past year and a half before the Palm House can open.

Fines of $2,000 a day were imposed — and continue to accrue — on the property by the town after a construction deadline of Feb. 14, 2013, was not met by then-owner Straub. Straub sued the town in December 2012 after the council refused his request to allow construction to continue without penalty until 2015.